Talking Under Water Voices from Water Week 2026: Ensuring Resilience and Affordability in Water Systems
In this episode Talking Under Water co-host Bob Crossen discusses Water Week 2026 where key figures recorded messages from the event. The episode features firsthand perspectives from water sector leaders who gathered in Washington, D.C., for the annual Water Policy Fly‑In to advocate for national water priorities.
Through voice memos from leaders at the Water Environment Federation, American Water Works Association, National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and utility representatives from across the country, listeners hear a consistent message: federal investment in water infrastructure is critical. Speakers point to concerns around declining State Revolving Fund support, the need for long‑term affordability, and the growing financial and regulatory pressures of PFAS management.
Utility leaders explain how tools like SRF loans help keep water affordable for customers, especially as infrastructure ages and compliance costs rise. Crossen also reflects on related conversations with utility directors beyond Capitol Hill, tying Water Week priorities to broader operational challenges such as biosolids management, inflow and infiltration, and emerging technology needs.
Together, these insights illustrate why coordinated advocacy and sustained federal support remain essential to the health, resilience, and affordability of water and wastewater systems nationwide.
Timestamps- 00:00 – Introduction
- 00:21 – Water Week 2026 overview and purpose of the DC Fly‑In
- 00:51 – Overview of expert voice memos from WEF and AWWA
- 01:28 – Steve Dye (WEF) on energy, momentum, and advocacy on Capitol Hill
- 02:49 – Danielle Cloutier (NACWA) on record turnout and engagement with Congress
- 03:41 – Joint water sector priorities highlighted in the Water Week press release
- 03:47 – Key policy issues: infrastructure funding, PFAS, affordability, and “Do Not Flush” labels
- 04:53 – Cynthia Lane (AWWA) on building relationships and advancing legislation
- 05:59 – SRF, WIFIA, and growing funding tension for utilities
- 06:55 – Cynthia Lane post‑meeting recap from Capitol Hill
- 07:43 – Liesel Gross on infrastructure funding and PFAS
- 08:38 – Jason Barrett on aging infrastructure needs
- 09:14 – SRF funding, affordability, and economies of scale
- 11:07 – Connecting Water Week themes to PFAS, biosolids, and geopolitics
- 12:25 – Inflow and infiltration as a growing national challenge
- 12:44 – Emerging technologies, SCADA integration, and AI interest
- 13:19 – Why federal policy decisions matter for local utilities
- 13:53 – Closing thanks to WEF and AWWA contributors
- 14:12 – Housekeeping
Resources:
- Use code WWD15 to get 15% off your attendee pass when you register at StormCon.com.
About the Podcast
Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between Wastewater Digest (WWD), WaterWorld and Storm Water Solutions (SWS). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.
Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.